Off the field, captains show true dosti

As afternoon turned into evening, the roar of the crowds had melted away and the dust had settled on the National Stadium astroturf, two men...

As afternoon turned into evening, the roar of the crowds had melted away and the dust had settled on the National Stadium astroturf, two men remained behind on the sidelines. While Indian skipper Dilip Tirkey held several icepacks to his wrist and face, his opposite number Waseem Ahmed walked up to ‘‘the best person in the Indian side’’ and showed that this really was the dosti series as advertised.

Tirkey had been hit by a Sohail Abbas shot five minutes from time and is set to miss the second test in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

‘‘Are you feeling better’’, asked Waseem, with genuine concern in his voice. ‘‘Nobody’s fault, but I am still sorry for the hit.’’ As Tirkey tried to mumble a response — not easy, having been hit by a shot travelling at over 100 miles an hour on the cheekbone — Waseem added: ‘‘I know it hurts, but I also know you well enough to know that you will be there in the next match.’’

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This was not playing to the gallery — the galleries were empty. By the time the TV crews realised what was going on, Pakistan’s dimunitive skipper had already bid his ‘‘best friend’’ all the best and returned to his fold.

Asked about the chances for Pakistan in the absence of Tirkey in the next match, Waseem said: ‘‘I am sure he will be there. But if he isn’t, we gain. He is good in defence, he gives long passes very well, and he holds the team together. Speaking only as a captain, his absence gives us a great chance to retain the series.’’

And Abbas, who hit the shot, reveals his admiration for the Indian skipper. ‘‘Unfortunate that he got hurt. He is one of the most down-to-earth players I have ever seen, and to command unconditional respect from the whole team is a rarity today. All I wish is he comes back soon.’’ India may have lost on the pitch, but hockey won off it.

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